Cocaine in the workplace on the rise

What are “nose beers” and “nose candy”, and what do they have to do with risk in the workplace?

As highlighted by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation in a recent article titled “What are ‘nose beers’? Exploring cocaine use in Australia”, terms like nose beers, nose candy, snow and blow are all slang for cocaine. Research shows that cocaine use in Australia is increasing. As a result, it is not surprising that workplace drug testing is also detecting a rise in cocaine positives.

This raises an important question. What is your workplace doing about it?

What cocaine is and why use is increasing?

While cocaine is natural – it comes from the coca plant and is indigenous to South America – it is a powerful stimulant drug. It speeds up messages between the brain and the body. For the user, this creates short bursts of energy, confidence and alertness. However, these effects do not last long. This often leads to repeated use in a short period of time.

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) highlights that cocaine use in Australia has increased in recent years. In fact, we are now the highest per-capita users of the drug globally. An ‘honour’ we share with New Zealand. Cocaine is often linked to social settings. It is also more common among employed people and higher income groups.

This challenges outdated assumptions and highlights that illicit drug use does not sit within one group. It can affect people across many industries, roles and income levels.

The growing use of slang terms like “nose beers” also points to something important. In some environments, cocaine use is becoming more normalised.

That shift matters when we consider workplace risk.

What workplace drug testing is showing

Workplace drug testing is reflecting the same trend as highlighted by the ADF. While cocaine is not the most common drug detected in workplace drug testing – that honour still belongs to cannabis – cocaine positives are increasing.

Typically, cocaine represents around 4 per cent of all positive workplace drug tests each year. This closely aligns with national data, which estimates that just over 4 per cent of Australians use cocaine annually.

In simple terms, workplace detection rates reflect what is happening in the broader community.

Cocaine is present in the workplace. It is not yet widespread. But it is becoming more common.

Despite the data, many workplaces still rely on outdated assumptions about drug use. There is often a focus on substances that are easier to recognise or more commonly discussed. Cocaine does not always fit this picture.

It is often linked to social use. Users may be high functioning individuals, who come across as confident. This can create a false sense of lower risk.

But substance risk does not always look the way people expect it to. A changing drug landscape means that risk is evolving. Workplace systems need to evolve with it. If policies and perceptions do not keep up, gaps begin to appear. And those gaps can increase risk.

Why cocaine has no place in the workplace

Cocaine directly impacts how the brain and body function. As highlighted, users may be high functioning and confident, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t compromised. As a stimulant, it can lead to:

• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Irritability and agitation
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Increased blood pressure
• Faster heartbeat and breathing
• Insomnia
• Unpredictable, violent or aggressive behaviour

These effects create clear workplace risks. They impair judgement. They affect concentration. They increase the likelihood of errors, incidents and injuries.

In safety-critical environments, the consequences can be severe. Even in lower-risk roles, these effects can impact performance, behaviour and team dynamics.

In short, cocaine has no place in the workplace.

What businesses should do next

The rise of cocaine in the workplace does not require panic. It requires a clear and structured response. Strong workplace drug and alcohol management systems play a key role.

1. Update workplace drug and alcohol management plans. Policies should reflect current risks. This includes recognising cocaine as an emerging issue. Expectations around fitness for work and substance use should be clear and current.
2. Educate your workforce. Education increases awareness. Workers should understand the risks of cocaine use. This includes both health impacts and workplace safety consequences. Education also helps break down assumptions. It reinforces that risk is not always visible.
3. Support your people. Workplace safety includes support. Employees experiencing drug or alcohol issues should have access to help. This may include Employee Assistance Programs or external support pathways.
4. Conduct workplace drug testing. Workplace drug testing remains an essential control. It provides data. It identifies risk. It supports compliance with workplace policies. It also reinforces expectations around being fit for work.

A changing landscape requires a new approach

Cocaine in the workplace reflects broader changes in the community. The data is consistent. Use is increasing. Detection is increasing.

But many workplaces have not yet adjusted how they think about this risk.

Cocaine may only account for around 4 per cent of positive workplace drug tests. However, that number may be growing. And the risks are significant.

Now is the time to review your approach. A proactive strategy to workplace drug and alcohol management will help ensure your workforce remains safe, informed and fit for work.

Note: If you need assistance with any aspect of your workplace drug and alcohol management, Integrity Sampling is here to help. Contact us today.

FEATURED IMAGE CAPTION:

Fatigue, health issue, stress? Or is this construction work another example of cocaine use in the workplace.